When I Was Young

Letter from Mildred Tan

Chairperson

Public Communications Sub-Committee

National Council on Problem Gambling

WE REFER to “Cut off ‘loans to gambling addicts’” (April 3).

We wish to thank Mr Kuo How Nam from Credit Counselling Singapore for his suggestion to bar a problem gambler from accessing unsecured loans so as to cut off one source of money that could feed their habit. His suggestion will be carefully considered.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) agrees with Mr Kuo that helping a problem gambler goes beyond excluding him from the casinos. For family exclusion measures at the casinos, the Council’s approach is not just to bar persons from the casinos, but to channel problem gamblers to the appropriate help services as well to overcome their addiction. As part of the process of applying for a Family Exclusion Order, family members are also provided with counselling to help manage their situation.

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage families troubled by gambling problems to seek help, including applying for the Family Exclusion Order. Help is a phone call away. The helpline number is 1800-666 8668.

From TODAY, Voices

Tuesday, 07-April-2009

I REFER to the report, “Families can now apply for gamblers’ exclusion order” (my paper, April 2).

I applaud the National Council on Problem Gambling for proactively trying to curb addiction to gambling and putting in place social safeguards to ensure that casinos here do not create more problems of gambling addiction.

At the same time, I question the effectiveness of any steps taken to do so, short of making gambling illegal.

The step to bar undischarged bankrupts and those on the Public Assistance scheme from casinos is a small step, but one which is in the wrong direction.

It is merely a token act. Also, it could be seen as discrimination because one group is being singled out.

Creating such a blacklist is not necessary. It is a case of double jeopardy – humiliating someone twice for a single mistake.

I have faith that a network of family and friends can do what is right for gambling addicts.

If Singapore really has the interest of such addicts at heart, introduce prevention programmes for gambling addiction and its related problems should be introduced to educate potential gamblers.

In any case, gambling addiction is only one of many addictions to vice – if one includes addiction to alcohol, drugs, smoking and sex – that plague society.

Mr Sebastian Tan



From myPaper, My Say
Tuesday, 07-April-2009